I might have a new love.
The peplum……..it’s flirty and flattering.
What could be better?
I started with this knit thrift store dress that I purchased for (you guessed it) fifty cents on half price Wednesday at my local thrift store. YAY! The dress was frumpy and a little big, but the knit was scrumpiously soft and I liked the color and the embroidered detail. I knew someday, just the right project would come along for this……..
aaaaaaaaannnnnnd a peplum it is!!
First, cut off the skirt leaving enough for a seam allowance.
If your dress fits up top, you can skip the next four steps.
If you need to resize like I did, cut off the sleeves.
Turn the shirt inside out, then pin and sew the sides and shoulders to fit.
Turn the sleeves inside out and pin and sew the seam to fit.
Trim all your new seams.
If your armhole is still too big, put in a dart before reattaching the sleeves.
Right sides together, pin and sew the sleeves back into the armholes.
Cut the hem off the bottom of the dress.
Now for the peplum:
At first glance it might look like I just added a ruffle, but a peplum is a little different from a regular ruffle. It has to be cut on the bias so it will give you the nice flounce effect.
First, measure your waist and divide that by 6.28. This will give you the distance to measure from the corner of your fabric.
Fold the bottom of the skirt in half (so the side seams are actually together in the middle now). Measure and mark your distance from the corner of the fold to create an arc.
Then measure and mark the desired length of your peplum from the first mark to create another arc.
Cut along both lines to create half of your peplum. Repeat this on the other side of the skirt bottom so you have two identical pieces.
When you unfold each piece, you will have two long arcs. Right sides together, sew along the two short edges.
Right sides together, pin and sew the smaller arc of the peplum to the bottom of the shirt bodice. Depending on your fabric, you could add some bias tape to the bottom of the peplum if you think it might fray, but the knit I was using was laying nicely and wasn’t fraying so I think I can skip this step.
Now you’ve got another possible option for your New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Don’t forget about the latest giveaway.
You could win this refashioned hat and mittens:
All you have to do is visit and subscribe to my new You Tube channel for a chance to win. Thanks to everyone who has already subscribed. I’m just getting started and my goal for 2013 is to produce some refashion videos for you.
You might also like:
The Renegade Seamstress 
Very flattering. Wish I had your talent and imagination!
Oh, but Marty, you do!!!! You just have a different model. 😉
I LOVE … LOVE …L.O.V.E. (!!!!!) your site and look forward to new posts from you!!! I would give anything to have a teeny tiny bit of your talent and craftiness!!! Thank you for sharing your amazing refashions!!!!!
Wow, thanks so much, Trenna! You are so kind! Have a good weekend!
Beth
Looks adorable! I have a refashion featuring peplum coming up on my blog as well 🙂 Happy New Year!
Zhenya
http://beingzhenya.com
I can’t wait to see your peplum. I have a big black and white striped t shirt dress that I’d like to use to make my next peplum. Enjoy your weekend!
Beth
First, I subscribed and the channel is very nice! I am new to subscribing so you are my first time! 🙂
I feel honored to be your first. 🙂 Thanks for all of your encouraging comments!!
Enjoy your weekend!
Beth
Very nice. It’s so neat that this peplum looks so different from the last one – and the only difference, really, is where it’s attached. I’m always learning something here 🙂
Thank you, Jo. It does look different from the other one. I actually wanted to attach the peplum a little lower but I was limited by the existing bodice seam. It ended up turning out OK after all. Just a different look. Enjoy your weekend!
Beth
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Huh, I may sound silly for this, but I hadn’t thought about a peplum needing to be on the bias. You are so right though! It’s really just a circle skirt – genius!
Hey, Juliet, it is just a little circle skirt. That’s such a good way to describe it. Thanks for visiting!
Beth
Lovely! Hey, sorry it has taken me so long to send you the picture of that dowdy sweater dress I mentioned to you loooooong ago. I’ve finally slowed down long enough to take a picture of it. May I have an email address with which to send it to you?
Oh yes, send it to bhunting@eoni.com. I can’t wait to see it! Happy New Year!
Beth
My, peplums ARE looking good on you!!!
You are so sweet! Thanks, I want to make one in every color!!!
I was out shopping with my daughter the day after Christmas and peplum tops were everywhere. A few stores had spring clothes on display. I said to my daughter I think I’m going to have to get myself a peplum top pattern and did just that! So you are right on trend with your refashioned top! Great job!
Oh, thanks, its nice to know I’m on trend. I haven’t been to a clothing store in ages. Have fun making your peplum and I’d love to see it when you’re finished.
Happy New Year!
Beth
Your site never disappoints. I am always amazed and inspired by your talent. I have a pile of shirts I bought on garage sales last summer I have been meaning to refashion. Time to get to it!
I can’t wait to see what you make. I loved the cardigan and the dress you made!
I just discovered your site today, and I already made the cape blanket. Super easy and fun. Thank you for your tutorials and taking the time to share them with us.
I meant to say wool blanket coat, not cape blanket. I don’t want to confuse anyone. Again, easy and fun.
You make this seem so easy. I will keep your site handy for do overs. I will feel free to pick up clothing, wash it, and redo them! Thank you so much
You are so very welcome Deanna! I’m so happy this has been helpful to you!!!
Could’ve kept it as a crop top as well
Just wanna say I’m so glad I found your site, your ideas are super neat and thanks for inspiring me never to buy *New* clothes again!
I love it.. What a transformation!
Thank you, Viv!
LOVE the perfume refashion!!